by Jan Wolbrecht | Nov 18, 2024 | Gift Ideas for Holidays, Safety Sunday
As we anticipate the busiest shopping season; we also understand that the crime rates will increase. In recent pasts, we see spikes in “Porch Pirates” as we find ourselves shopping more online for ease and convenience not to mention it’s always open no matter what our personal shopping hours might be.
So what can we do to minimize a Grinch encounter, that is avoid becoming a victim to theft?
Whether your out and about shopping in person or packages pile up at your front door, there are some things to consider to protect yourself and your purchases.
- If ordering online, check with neighbor who may be home, or work from home, and can watch or collect your deliveries for you. This is important if you’re going to be away for several days.
- Consider having packages shipped to your place of work, or a trusted friend’s place if possible.
- Have lights on a timer, so your home looks like you’re home. I recently found a voice activated light (I found one at Walgreens) which I’ll place in a room near the front door or our back door. Since it’s activated by sound, it’s irregularity is more organic.
- Keep doors locked and garage door closed as much as possible.
I imagine you’re envisioning scenes from famous Christmas movies about now, such as Home Alone.
If shopping at your local department stores or in person, be aware of those around you.
- Do you keep seeing the same person/people no matter where you go within the store and a second shop (specially at Malls).
- Keep your credit card number close to you until asked for it. Remember, most stores have security cameras and if you plop your credit card out (on the counter) are the numbers showing so anyone can see it (or can take a picture of the numbers)?
- Consider using a RFID credit card wallet to avoid being skimmed. It can happen so why not take the necessary precautions?
- Again, when shopping at malls, be aware of who’s around you and where you’re parking.
- Trust you instinct, trust your body! If something doesn’t FEEL right, just go with it! It doesn’t matter if you feel foolish for it. Better safe than not, right? That feeling IS your body’s way of protecting you. Our minds can’t often determine what might be harmful, but our gut can.
- Watch your packages; hold on to your packages. Don’t make multiple runs to your car to “drop off” your bags and return to shop for the rest of the items. If you go out to your vehicle; plan to leave with what you have for that shopping excursion. Yes, others may be waiting in the parking lot for someone just like you- dropping gifts off in an empty car and being “abandoned” for the next hour or so.
How to be proactive at home.
- If your Christmas tree is in the front window, don’t put packages under the tree until the last minute. Your Christmas tree is already a signal to criminals for “free goodies”. Don’t show them what they are missing by having everything under the tree.
- Do you realize how easy it is to see inside of your home with all the lights on? Close your blinds, drapery, window coverings at night.
- Turn on outdoor lights, especially around places where one might want to hide. Understand that your entry ways are the most vulnerable for attacks, and where the bad guy lurks.
- Back up into your driveway when unloading packages. This prevents noisy neighbors, or criminals, from seeing your gifts. I’ve done this and it is a powerful feeling of being in control.
Whatever holiday you’re celebrating, we hope these tips will ensure it’s one that brings you and your loved ones much joy!
Stay Safe. XO
by Jan Wolbrecht | Nov 9, 2024 | Guns and Politics
In August, Gun Owners of America had it’s first G.O.A.L.S Summit in Knoxville, Tn. This event focused on Gunowners Rights, Women gunowners, safety, concealed carry and security from vendors across the US. We were there too and met some great folks with like minds.
Here’s one such interview from our booth with David from the Assorted Caliber Podcast
by Jan Wolbrecht | Mar 12, 2023 | Guns and Politics
If you live in DC and have to ride the Metro to work… and you are concealing; technically, you are breaking the laws. Listen in on why these four men are challenging the law.
It’s risky out there and everyone who wants to be self reliant and not become a victim, chooses to exercise their Second Amendment right and conceal a handgun on their person.
The difficulty lies when the place you are going for the day, let’s say work / office is in an area, a jurisdiction where it’s legal to concealed carry. Yes, within the final destination you are abiding by the laws. But, in order to get there, you have to break the law – by riding the Metro (DC train).
What would you do? Comment below!
Link to story
by Jan Wolbrecht | Feb 26, 2023 | Guns and Politics
Gun control full speed ahead – but, will it work?
Have you ever really thought about why those on the left constantly want to destroy our Second Amendment?
As I celebrate another trip around the sun, I can hardly remember at time when there wasn’t a move to restrict gun ownership. That is a sad state! Why, why do some so desperately desire to destroy what our founding fathers so miraculously outlined in our Bill of Rights and Constitution.
At the root of establishing this great country, our founding fathers had a strong belief and commitment to Jesus Christ. Much of our Bill of Rights and Constitution are based on scripture and Godly principles.
In fact, I believe there’s not been a time like this before to clearly show the removal of God and Godly principals has brought in and escalated the deterioration of society, zero tolerance of one another and a flat out laser focus on “ME”-ism.
Cam Edwards writes about this in NRA’s magazine, America’s 1st Freedom, some years ago in 2018. Have things changed? Nope, nadda – not one bit.
But, here’s the reality of this ongoing debate over guns – restricting or banning firearms does not reduce crime! This is the huge pink elephant!
Sure, there’s lots of “theories” about how it (gun control) will work, but history is so valuable. Yes, a true case study without debate on the findings. IT DOES NOT WORK!
I believe we’ve all heard about the prohibition era, one problem then was how Prohibition was difficult to enforce. What transpired was an increase in illegal establishments like speakeasies and or bootlegging. It did not stop it – the restriction of alcohol led to a creative work around and increase in crime! You cannot legislate crime.
And so it goes with gun control. There’s plenty of other countries to look at for the result of gun control and it’s not good for the people – ONLY for those RULING and Power Hungry!
Gun control is the way of Socialism, Communism and Fascism. It IS NOT the way to FREEDOM; to personal responsibility, property ownership or how you want to worship.
We are already seeing how rulers are controlling behavior today – through high inflation and getting you used to seeing grocery stores bare and high prices. We have wokeness, cancel culture on steroids and it’s by a small percentage of the population but why is their voice so loud?
Media. We’ve been asleep and not standing watch. We said “its not that big of a deal”…
In my home state of Georgia, the City of Kennesaw actually passed a law that required homeowners to own a firearm… and what happened Overnight to the crime rate was positive and amazing! Arming law abiding citizens is a strong deterrent! Thus, more responsible gun owners is the solution.
Like the river bank gives way to the water and slowly erodes, so to goes our Second Amendment rights (being dissolved) without constant reinforcement (fighting to keep) the river bank hard and solid.
Remember, it’s your right and duty to be self reliant. Check out the NRA’s annual meeting and exhibits in April 2023, we’re in booth #3261.
Never be a victim because of style- be incognito!
by Jan Wolbrecht | Jan 24, 2023 | Guns and Politics, Safety Sunday
When you visit a range, whether your local one or visiting a new range, make sure to locate life saving equipment before the first shot.
I recently realized I had not done this and wanted to share so you can “Learn from my mistakes” 🙂
What’s the number 1 rule of real estate? Location! As with visiting a range, Know your location! Street address in case you are calling 9-1-1.
Hopefully, you never need to use a fire extinguisher or the emergency first aid (gun shot wound kit) or AED. Know where these items are before you need to find them. It will be a very stressful and time sensitive, potentially life critical time and knowing where these items are will help when it matters most.
Plan in your head taking charge. “Tell” x person to call 9-1-1, “tell’ another person to get the ER kit – it’s hanging… (state where to find this kit) and if necessary, “tell” a third person to go to the street to 1) flag down EMS and 2) direct EMS to the patient.
We must remember and practice our gun safety rules.
I hope this helps you to enjoy shooting and having a (safe)fun time at the range.
